The check in and immigration counters at Dar Es Salaam International Airport are located on the first floor. To reach the Tanzanite Lounge, one has to take the escalator after immigration and then move around to the right. There is a big sign here that says Tanzanite lounge. From here, you need to go down a flight of stairs (I didn’t see an elevator) to get to the lounge.

The Tanzanite Lounge had a basic décor and was furnished with dark leather couches. This air-conditioned lounge was strictly non-smoking. Newspapers and magazines were available in English and Swahili. Restroom facilities were available outside the lounge. A television and free Wi-Fi were the other features of note.

Small snacks, sandwiches, soft drinks, juice tea and coffee and beverages were on offer at the lounge. The staff came around to offer cool towels to refresh ourselves and to take our orders.

While we were at the lounge, the power went off twice, once for about 10 minutes and the second time it went off for more than an hour. As it was time for our flight, I really don’t know how long the power was out the second time. When the power went out, the air conditioning and Wi-Fi stopped working. However, the emergency lights came on.

We were flying Emirates First Class and I know for sure Business Class passengers could use the lounge as well. I think it is the only lounge in this airport, so most, if not all first and business class passengers can probably use the Tanzanite Lounge.

Overall, though the lounge was nothing special, it was way better than having to wait in the main airport waiting area. Our rating for the Tanzanite Lounge is Between Bombastic and Not.